Senior Buyer - Construction

Criterion Capital; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing residential developer in London is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead materials procurement for their residential construction projects. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of construction procurement experience, specializing in owner-managed builders. This role involves developing procurement strategies, negotiating with suppliers, and managing the supply chain effectively. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential. Join a fast-paced team to make a significant impact in the construction landscape.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in construction procurement.
• Strong background within entrepreneurial and owner-managed builders.
• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and value improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the procurement strategy across multiple residential projects.
• Negotiate confidently to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.
• Monitor market trends, material availability, and supplier performance.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Communication skills

Supplier relationship management

Tools

Yardi

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute Senior Buyer (Construction) to lead materials procurement across our expanding portfolio of residential construction projects. The ideal candidate will have developed their career within owner‑managed, hands‑on, cost‑conscious housebuilders known for lean operations, swift decision‑making, and strong commercial discipline. You will be responsible for shaping our procurement strategy, strengthening our supply chain, and ensuring we consistently secure the best value without compromising on programme or quality.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the procurement strategy across multiple residential projects, ensuring best value and supply certainty
• Act as a commercial gatekeeper, rigorously challenging costs, specifications, assumptions, and supplier proposals
• Oversee the end‑to‑end procurement of all construction materials and project requirements
• Build, expand, and leverage a high‑performing supply chain to create competition, resilience, and long‑term value
• Negotiate confidently to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and long‑term commercial benefit
• Protect project margins and programmes through proactive market awareness and decisive purchasing
• Produce and manage procurement schedules aligned with project programmes
• Monitor market trends, material availability, and supplier performance
• Work collaboratively with Commercial, Technical, and Site teams
• Raise and manage purchase orders using Yardi (or similar procurement systems)
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and manage variations effectively

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in construction procurement
• Strong background within entrepreneurial, owner‑managed builders or developers
• Experience of working in lean, fast‑moving environments where accountability is key
• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and value improvements
• Solid understanding of materials used in residential and mixed‑use projects
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship skills
• Ability to widen the supply chain and drive competitive tension

About You

You are a proactive, confident Senior Buyer who delivers value, efficiency, and reliability. You take ownership of your work, make informed commercial decisions, and are comfortable challenging prices to protect project margins. You excel in environments where initiative, pace, and commercial awareness are essential. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact within a growing, forward‑thinking developer, we would be pleased to hear from you.